A Complete Guide to Transferring Your Car to Relatives as a Gift: Steps and Required Documents

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Transferring vehicle ownership to a relative as a gift, without any sale involved, is a legal process where the car owner voluntarily transfers the car title to a family member or close relative. This article will guide you through the types of such transfers, the necessary procedures, and the documents needed, ensuring a smooth and lawful transfer of car ownership.

What Is a Gift Transfer of Vehicle Ownership?

A gift transfer means transferring the vehicle’s ownership from the current owner to the recipient without any monetary exchange or sales contract. This is commonly used when passing a vehicle to parents, children, or close relatives, simplifying the ownership transfer process.

Important Conditions to Know

• The transfer must be completed within 15 days from the date of signing the transfer form.
• The vehicle tax must have at least 30 days remaining before expiration. If less, annual tax must be paid before transfer.
• The vehicle must pass an inspection by the Department of Land Transport before transfer.
• If the owner cannot attend in person, they can authorize someone else to complete the process, who must present valid ID.

Types of Gift Transfers to Relatives

There are two main cases:

1. Transfer to a relative with the same last name
2. Transfer to a relative with a different last name

Both types require similar documents and procedures, but transfers to different last names require additional paperwork such as household registration and name change certificates.

Required Documents

• Vehicle registration book (blue book)
• Transfer application form signed by both parties
• Sales contract/receipt (if applicable)
• Death certificate and will (if the original owner is deceased)
• Power of attorney and copies of IDs (if authorized person is handling the transfer)
• Name change certificate and household registration (for different last names)

Transfer Fees

• Application fee: 5 THB
• Transfer fee: 100 THB
• Stamp duty: 500 THB per 100,000 THB of the vehicle’s appraised value
• License plate fee: 200 THB (if changing plates)
• Registration book replacement fee: 100 THB (if the book is damaged)
• Vehicle inspection fee: 50 THB

Steps to Transfer a Vehicle as a Gift

1. Get the vehicle inspected at the provincial Land Transport office
2. Complete the transfer application form
3. Submit all required documents and pay fees
4. Wait for the official ownership change
5. Receive the updated vehicle registration book

Conclusion

Transferring a car to a family member as a gift is a convenient and legally proper way to change vehicle ownership without a sale. However, the process must be completed thoroughly according to the required steps to prevent any legal issues in the future.

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